Crooked River, by Emmie Theberge
Grants from the Land for Maine’s Future program in 2016 helped enable the purchase of several forested parcels near the Crooked River in Harrison and Otisfield. The largest of these is Loon Echo Land Trust’s Intervale parcel, which contains more than a mile of frontage on the river and some easy trails down to the water that are great for families. To its north is Western Foothills Land Trust’s Twin Bridges Preserve, which houses its own network of pleasant forest trails. There are several other protected parcels in the area, as well. Beyond its lovely walking paths, the preserved lands in the Crooked River Forest are also a great place to fly-fish, hunt, snowshoe, snowmobile, and cross-country ski.
The Crooked River Forest area has been a focus of conservation efforts due in large part to its status as Sebago Lake’s largest tributary. The river is also notable for being one of only four places in Maine to find a population of landlocked salmon. Protecting the Crooked River and its surrounding forested area is therefore crucial to ensuring the health of Sebago Lake’s ecosystems and waters. Loon Echo Land Trust and Western Foothills Land Trust were able to purchase a combined 729 acres of land in the region in 2016 with the help of an LMF grant and funding from several environmental organizations.
Closest Town: Harrison and Otisfield
Activities: Hiking, Walking, Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Dog-walking, Fishing, Wildlife Watching, Snowmobiling, Hunting
Region: Southern Maine – York, Cumberland
Acreage: 729
Directions: Intervale parcel – From Otisfield, take ME-121 S towards Edythe Lane and take a right onto Bolsters Mills Road. Drive 1.5 miles before turning left on Jesse Mill Road, and from there, continue straight onto Scribners Mills Road for about half a mile. Twin Bridges parcel – From Harrison, drive on ME-117 N for 5 miles.
